MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The herd is housed and run in two groups, highs and lows, which are fed on a TMR ration, incorporating grass silage and whole crop, together with a formulation of straights. The diet and rationing is regularly monitored by Alan Hutchinson of Promar International.

All the cows are cubicle trained, with the high yielders housed on mats and sawdust, while straw yards provide accommodation for the low yielders.

One of the farm objectives is to give the cows plenty of space and comfort, which has been achieved.

CLASSIFICATION

After Foot & Mouth the herd was graded up to pedigree and classification began in 2004, there is now 75% of the herd scored, and there are 5 Excellents and 36 Very Goods, with a commendable 76% of the herd scored GP or higher. Results which will be constantly and consciously improved upon. 

BREEDING POLICY

The existing herd was built on bulls such as Skalsummer Sunnyboy and Lylehaven Ambition. Noticeable bulls used since then include Mascot, Bellwood, Leadman, Tonic, Belltone, Celcius, Lord Lily, Roylane Jordan and Lucente.  In 2005 to broaden the gene pool Bob travelled to Canada and decided that there was scope to incorporate some Canadian bloodlines, with again the criteria being to use consistent reliable bulls, such as James, Outside, and Igniter and P S Storm. Latterly the UK bred Picston Shottle has also been used.

 Bulls in the flask include; Shottle, September Storm, Freeman, Gibson, James, Kendall and Jordan